Celebrate our May birthdays

Join us during our refreshment time (following worship) on Sunday as we celebrate with those in our faith community who have birthdays in May: 

Jeanne Clark, Sue Cunningham, Matthew Goffe, Harvey Hackett, Mary Hackett, Sheila Hammitt, Judy Inslee, Jacob Jensen, Dr. Ellyn Jones, Nicholas Jensen,  Dr. Linda Kauffman, Steve Kauffman, Blakey Lockman, Jenna Lockman, Linda Sunderland, & Kathy Wood

Mission Shaped Future Listening Session

Planting seeds of our future

Great discussion @ Grace

Five churches (including Stevi UMC) were represented at today's Mission Shaped Future Listening Session at Grace UMC (in Missoula).

Participants discussed the petitions to be voted on at June's Yellowstone & Rocky Mountain Annual Conference sessions that ask the Western Jurisdiction to approve the formation of a new Annual Conference.

It was a great opportunity to share each other's dreams and concerns on the future of the people called United Methodist in the four state area we call home.

Thanks to Belinda Alkula, Cammie Edgar, and Sheila Hammitt for representing SUMC at today's gathering.

Drop-in Bible Study update

Every Friday morning (or nearly every Friday morning!) an energetic, fun group gathers at the home of Doris Taylor for the "Drop-in Bible Study."  

Each week we make our way through a lesson in the Adult Bible Series booklets. Pastor Charles serves as the moderator of the gathering. This morning, eleven were on hand to share thoughts about "Increased Faith" as presented in Luke 17:1-10.


"Drop-in" some Friday morning (you don't have to have a study book!) at 10:00-11:00 am, Ms. Doris will have the coffee ready!

Frustrated with the Negativity!

by Marty Cauley

April 28, 2016

UMCOR and Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts

By the Rev. Dr. Marty Cauley

If I read one more well intentioned article about what the church, particularly The United Methodist Church, is doing wrong I think I will scream. Yes, I know we are struggling with years of decline. I know our buildings are old, our polity is complicated, and we are not trend setting, wearing skinny jeans, and we don’t have many “rock star” preachers. So what. Garrison Keeler is fond of noting that: "The United Methodist Church is not very good at “tooting its own horn.” 

So as a dedicated, often conflicted, sometimes frustrated, United Methodist I want to point out five (of the dozens and dozens) of things The United Methodist Church is doing right.

Read more at this link.

Frustrated with the Negativity!

 If I read one more well intentioned article about what the church, particularly The United Methodist Church, is doing wrong I think I will scream. Yes, I know we are struggling with years of decline. I know our buildings are old, our polity is complicated, and we are not trend setting, wearing skinny jeans, and we don’t have many “rock star” preachers. So what. Garrison Keeler is fond of noting that
The United Methodist Church is not very good at “tooting its own horn.” So as a dedicated, often conflicted, sometimes frustrated, United Methodist I want to point out five (of the dozens and dozens) of things The United Methodist Church is doing right.
- See more at: http://um-insight.net/in-the-church/five-things-th/#sthash.k9UoGnFr.6gXxajFN.dpuf

Frustrated with the Negativity!

 If I read one more well intentioned article about what the church, particularly The United Methodist Church, is doing wrong I think I will scream. Yes, I know we are struggling with years of decline. I know our buildings are old, our polity is complicated, and we are not trend setting, wearing skinny jeans, and we don’t have many “rock star” preachers. So what. Garrison Keeler is fond of noting that
The United Methodist Church is not very good at “tooting its own horn.” So as a dedicated, often conflicted, sometimes frustrated, United Methodist I want to point out five (of the dozens and dozens) of things The United Methodist Church is doing right.
- See more at: http://um-insight.net/in-the-church/five-things-th/#sthash.k9UoGnFr.6gXxajFN.dpuf

Frustrated with the Negativity!

 If I read one more well intentioned article about what the church, particularly The United Methodist Church, is doing wrong I think I will scream. Yes, I know we are struggling with years of decline. I know our buildings are old, our polity is complicated, and we are not trend setting, wearing skinny jeans, and we don’t have many “rock star” preachers. So what. Garrison Keeler is fond of noting that
The United Methodist Church is not very good at “tooting its own horn.” So as a dedicated, often conflicted, sometimes frustrated, United Methodist I want to point out five (of the dozens and dozens) of things The United Methodist Church is doing right.
- See more at: http://um-insight.net/in-the-church/five-things-th/#sthash.k9UoGnFr.6gXxajFN.dpuf

Frustrated with the Negativity!

 If I read one more well intentioned article about what the church, particularly The United Methodist Church, is doing wrong I think I will scream. Yes, I know we are struggling with years of decline. I know our buildings are old, our polity is complicated, and we are not trend setting, wearing skinny jeans, and we don’t have many “rock star” preachers. So what. Garrison Keeler is fond of noting that
The United Methodist Church is not very good at “tooting its own horn.” So as a dedicated, often conflicted, sometimes frustrated, United Methodist I want to point out five (of the dozens and dozens) of things The United Methodist Church is doing right.
- See more at: http://um-insight.net/in-the-church/five-things-th/#sthash.k9UoGnFr.6gXxajFN.dpuf

Frustrated with the Negativity!

 If I read one more well intentioned article about what the church, particularly The United Methodist Church, is doing wrong I think I will scream. Yes, I know we are struggling with years of decline. I know our buildings are old, our polity is complicated, and we are not trend setting, wearing skinny jeans, and we don’t have many “rock star” preachers. So what. Garrison Keeler is fond of noting that
The United Methodist Church is not very good at “tooting its own horn.” So as a dedicated, often conflicted, sometimes frustrated, United Methodist I want to point out five (of the dozens and dozens) of things The United Methodist Church is doing right.
- See more at: http://um-insight.net/in-the-church/five-things-th/#sthash.k9UoGnFr.6gXxajFN.dpuf

Happy Arbor Day

Presbyterian Church, Nebraska City, NE

• A Poem for Arbor Day - Author Unknown 
  
  Where halts the pilgrim for an hour
  Let some tree rear its head,
  Our work can greet him with a flower,
  Or luscious fruit instead;
  Plant for the dawning years a tree,
  'Twill not be labor lost;
  You'll live to bless the day and see
  How little was the cost. 
  
  Plant trees upon the barren hill
  And in the village street,
  And shade the little sunny rill
  Whose song is rich and sweet;
  Where there's a will there is a way.
  So let the children come
  And plant a tree this Arbor Day -
  A tree that stands for Home. 
  
  Methinks the rose will fairer bloom
  Upon the bush we set,
  And softer be its perfume
  Above its coronet;
  Let every child in Freedom's land
  Hail Arbor Day with glee,
  And plant with every busy hand
  A shrub, a bush or tree. 
  
  God made the many trees for shade,
  So plant one on this day,
  In field, in town, in glen and glade
  They yield a gentle sway;
  In troops let all the children come
  With music, song and cheer;
  For Arbor Day is near to Home,
  And Home is always dear. 
  
  Go plant a tree where none is found,
  Make bright some treeless spot,
  And as the ceaseless years go round
  You will not be forgot;
  From hill to hill, from shore to shore,
  Let hands forget their play,
  And men will bless forevermore
  Our sacred Arbor Day.

Last WOW for awhile

The last WOW (worship on Wednesday) until September took place last night with twelve present. Thanks to Lois Hansen and Dusty Schrock for providing the delicious soup supper.

Pastor Charles led the discussion on The UMC Social Creed.

Scripture lessons for May 1

The Bitterroot River, spring 2015

The lessons for the Sixth Sunday of Easter are:

 Acts 16:9-15  • Psalm 67  

• Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5  • John 14:23-29

This week @ Stevi UMC

Monday:

6:00 pm, Lectionary study
7:00 pm, Living Clean 

Tuesday:

7:00 pm, Choir practice 

Wednesday:  

10:00 am, Wired Word     
2:30 pm, Girl Scouts

6:00 pm, Worship on Wednesday (last one until September)
6:30 pm, Youth Group

Friday: 
10:00 am, Drop-in Bible study @ Doris T.'s (lesson #9)   

Saturday:

10:30 am, Mission-shaped future briefing @ First UMC-Missoula

Sunday: 
9:00 am, Church school 
10:15 am, Praise singing  
10:30 am, Worship service  
11:30 am, Fellowship 
11:45 am, Chime practice

A damp Sunday

Flowers from the Spencer wedding

The Wired Word group at work this morning

Bill & Carol share with the children

Fellowship @ SUMC

The damp & cool weather this morning couldn't deter the faithful from coming to learn, worship, and share!

Today's praise music, choir anthem, scripture reading, and sermon are available on our Youtube channel.

Thanks to Bill Gragg for being this month's liturgist and to Roberta Zielinksi and Ed & Patty Spencer for being our greeters/ushers this  month.

Thanks also to everyone who have responded to Carole Koval's invitation to assist with fellowship time. This after-worship sharing is such an important part of our ministry together.

Praise the Lord!

a Wedding at Stevi UMC

The moment has arrived

"We are gathered here..."

Happy family

The cake

Great time at the reception

The first wedding at Stevi UMC in awhile took place on a rainy afternoon for Ed Spencer & Patty Murray.

Thanks to Hazel Smith (organ/piano), Anna Storkson (solo), and Clay Freeman (scripture reading) for their participation in today's service.

Thanks also to the ladies of the UMW for providing the reception following the service: Belinda Alkula, Trudy Freeman, Sheila Hammitt, Lisa Nicholls, and Bonita Ziegler.

General Conference 2016: staying connected

Not every United Methodist will be a delegate to General Conference, but that does not mean that you cannot participate in all that is happening May 10-20, 2016, in Portland, Oregon. General Conference is the global gathering of The United Methodist Church, and there are plenty of ways for you to be involved.

Visit this link to see more.

Lawns & You

Julie is a careful driver!

Dave readies the mower for action

Dave takes the mower for a spin

 The opportunities to share in the care of our church property are numerous! One of the best ways to enjoy seeing the fruits of one's labor is to sign up for a turn on the lawn mowing roster.

This morning saw Dave & Julie McGarvey tending to this task. Thanks to these wonderful folk for helping to put a good face on our church!

The UMW & Earth Day 2016

Today is Earth Day. Watch an animated video about the damage that mining can do to our most vital resource, water.

United Methodist Women knows the importance of taking care of creation. That is why we’re bringing two new resolutions to protect the environment to General Conference: ‪

Protection of water

Enviromental Racism


Visit this link to learn more.

GC2016: Turning the page on The United Methodist Hymnal

A cutting-edge hymnal? It seems like a contradiction in terms.

But if the 2016 General Conference approves, The United Methodist Church will start on a five-year path toward a new hymnal that is Internet cloud-based and printed on demand, with each congregation able to customize its selections, beyond a core group of hymns.

It will work for those who want a book for the faithful to hold and those who want to download and project onto screens praise and worship songs that reflect Wesleyan theology.

“The new United Methodist hymnal will blaze a new path for what a hymnal is,” said the Rev. Taylor Burton–Edwards, director of worship resources for United Methodist Discipleship Ministries. “No longer a static collection limited by the size of a pew rack or one set of decisions about ritual resources and congregational song every 20 or 30 years, the new hymnal project will be an ever-expanding suite of resources fit for an ever-diversifying world." 

Read more at this link.

Missions Shaped Future & You

Don't forget to attend one of the Listening Sessions to discuss the possible creation of a new annual conference with the coming together of the Yellowstone and Rocky Mountain Conferences.  Everyone is welcome.

This Saturday, April 23, there are listening sessions in both Billings and Great Falls beginning at 10:30am and going until 1:00pm.  The Billings session will be at Grace UMC at 1935 Ave. B.  The Great Falls session will be at First UMC at 610 Second Ave. North.

The next set of listening sessions will be the following Saturday, April 30 with sessions in Bozeman at the Bozeman UMC 121 S. Willson Ave. and at First UMC Missoula, 300 E. Main in Missoula.  All sessions will begin at 10:30am.

The Missions Shaped Future Petition will be presented at the June sessions of the Rocky Mountain Conference (June 9-12) and the Yellowstone Conference (June 16-18) and to the Western Jurisdictional Conference (July 13-16).  

The Petition reads:  We seek approval from the Western Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church to realign the boundaries of the Yellowstone and Rocky Mountain Annual Conferences to form one, new annual conference, following the full discernment and agreement of the two participating conferences.

Please come to one of the listening sessions to learn more, to ask your questions and to help discern the future of the Yellowstone and Rocky Mountain Annual Conferences.

It's a WOW night!!

Lois Hansen led the discussion tonight based on a reading from Romans 12:1-2 (The Message):

Thanks to Lois Hansen and Carol Gragg for providing tonight's soup supper.

Next week (April 30) will be the last WOW of the season. We'll be resuming WOW in September.

World Heritage Day & Gwennap Pit

Gwennap Pit - Carharrack, Cornwall

To celebrate ‪#‎worldheritageday‬ we thought we'd bring you this image of Gwennap Pit, part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site. Gwennap Pit has an important place in our ‪#‎methodist‬ heritage as John Wesley preached there 18 times between 1762 & 1789. He described it as "a round green hollow" & "an amphitheatre". 

 

Read more at http://www.gwennappit.co.uk/

 

#WorldHeritageDay: Global Celebration of Man-Made Monuments and Heritage Sites Observed on April 18th.

 

UNESCO selected the date in 1983 to celebrate monuments and other cultural sites across the planet and to raise public awareness about conservation efforts to maintain the locations. 

 

*Note: Pastor Charles was able to preach at Gwennap Pit on August 25, 2005.

This week @ SUMC

Monday:
6:00 pm, Trustees

6:00 pm, Lectionary study
7:00 pm, Living Clean

Tuesday:

7:00 pm, Choir practice

Wednesday:   
8:00 am, WIC  
10:00 am, Wired Word     
2:30 pm, Girl Scouts

6:00 pm, Worship on Wednesday 

6:30 pm, Youth Group

Thursday:

7:00 pm, Ad Council

Friday:

10:00 am, Drop-in Bible study @ Doris T.'s (lesson #7)  

Saturday:

1:00, Spencer-Murray wedding

Sunday:

9:00 am, Church school 

10:15 am, Praise singing  
10:30 am, Worship service  
11:30 am, Fellowship 
11:45 am, Chime practice

Scripture lessons for April 24th

Mary McCleary - "Peter's Vision"

• Acts 11:1-18  • 
• Psalm 148  • 
• Revelation 21:1-6  • 
• John 13:31-35

Sunday @ SUMC, pt. 2

A joyous event

Chevy & family

Ayden with grandparents, Paul & Liz

Patty Murray (with hat)

Our fellowship was blessed with three baptisms this morning! Chevy Grandjean, Ayden Kotek, and Patty Murray came forward to take part in the sacrament and to be welcomed into the family of God.

Sunday @ SUMC, pt.1

Praise music with Dave Lockman

Jeremy Joost speaks to the congregation

Choir anthem

Hazel and Carol Gragg chat during fellowship time

Lively conversation all-around!

Our congregation came to worship on a delightful spring morning with opportunity aplenty for learning, worship, and fellowship!

The choir anthem may be heard at this link. The sermon, taken from John 10:22-30, may be seen at this link.

Thanks to the Bishops' for providing our fellowship refreshments today.

Remember Youtube

If you are unable to attend worship this morning please visit our Youtube channel to hear the anthem and the sermon.

Today's Psalm

 ^{(New King James Version)}

¹ The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
² He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
³ He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

⁴ Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.

Busy morning, clean yard

Chuck and Tom working hard in front

Loading up out back

Bill G., Ben, Chuck, and Dave R.

Dr. Linda and Tom tidy up the playground

Anna cleans up!

A clear morning meant great conditions for the annual clean-up of the church's yard.

Thanks to Tom Bishop, Bill Gragg, Ben Longbottom, Dr. Linda, Chuck Petty, Dave & Connie Rakiecki, Anna Storkson, and Pastor Charles for helping during this morning's church yard clean-up.

Spring UMW District meeting

Conference UMW president, Stacy King, presents the award

Eleven members of the Stevi UMC United Methodist Women made the journey yesterday to Polson for the spring meeting of the UMW's Western Mountains District. 

Trudy Freeman, our Unit's president, accepted the 5-Star Unit award on behalf of our amazing ladies!!!

UMM in April

Seven men answered the call for the United Methodist Men's breakfast this morning. Dave Rakiecki and Ed Sperry provided the delicious meal and Don Nelson led the business portion of the gathering.  

Pastor Charles shared the morning's devotion, a reading of the April 16th entry from "The Wesley Family Book of Days." A poem/hymn of Charles Wesley, found in "The Unplublished Poetry of Charles Wesley - Vol. III" on 'one seeking after truth' was also shared.

The men discussed upcoming events:
+The rummage/yard sale on June 18 (Western Heritage Days) held in cooperation with the United Methodist Women. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements about times and dates for donations for the sale.
+Church-wide camp-out, August 19-20 @ Larry Creek Campground.

Our next meeting will be May 14th @ 8 am.

A Few Shared Mountain Sky Area Numbers: Local Church Focus

April 13, 2016
From Bishop Elaine Stanovsky:  

Some people in the Rocky Mountain Conference wonder why, if Yellowstone is struggling, Rocky Mountain would want to “take on” the struggling Conference. It’s not a matter of one conference taking on the other. From the beginning we have known that declining trends are similar in the two conferences. But creating a new conference isn’t so we can manage decline. It’s to create a strategic partnership  to cultivate a new season of Wesleyan vitality.

Take a look at the vital signs Rocky Mountain Statistician, Dennis Shaw prepared for the Mission Shaped Future Committees (below). Both Conferences need to think afresh about how we engage the people outside our churches in the life-giving ministry of Christian discipleship, and how we use resources to do so. Does it make sense to do this work together as a single conference? Could creation of a new conference be the occasion for revival of the Wesleyan Spirit?

Read more at this link.